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Metascore®Mixed or average reviewsbased on a weighted average of allcritic review scores.

50

out of 100

The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt

A couple of rather Dickensian supporting roles by Robbie Coltrane and Maximilian Schell fall embarrassingly flat as they are more creations of costumes and makeup than actual flesh-and-blood. But then the same can be said for the entire movie.

The jaunty, energetic first 10 minutes of The Brothers Bloom are easily the best first 10 minutes of any film I've seen this year. And while the succeeding hour and 43 minutes doesn't hold up to the movie's opening scenes, the whole endeavor is still an awfully good time.

Parents need to know that there's plenty to delight teens in this charming, irreverent crime dramedy, even if the material verges on the mature. It explores the complex relationship between adult siblings -- in this case, con men who lie and swindle for a living -- whose paths have begun to diverge. Expect some salty language (including "s--t") and violence (including gun use, explosions, and severe beatings). But ultimately it's more lighthearted than not and genuinely moving.

Families can talk about how this movie compares to other heist movies. What do those kinds of films tend to have in common? Families can also discuss the characters' relationships and what they learn. What do the brothers get out of their scams? Why do they feel differently about it later in life? Do they love each other? How does Stephen continue to act like the older brother later in life?

The good stuff

Messages: Although the two main characters make a living by swindling others, one appears to be pained by his career path (the other relishes creating scenarios that allow them to steal). A man lies repeatedly to a woman that he actually doesn't want to hurt.

What to watch for

Violence: A fair amount of violence. The lead characters are con men who brandish guns and have enemies. One character loves to blow things up -- and does. People beat each other, sometimes to a bloody pulp; they also shoot at each other and get shot in return. A main character stabs another man's hands with a broken liquor bottle.

Sex: A woman's dormant desires are awakened; she declares herself 'horny' and acts it. Some kissing and sex implied. A couple is shown under the covers.

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